HOLIDAY ATTRACTION

Local Christmas tradition returns after 2011 hiatus

Video from the Christmas lights at the Brock house in Manteca.

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FAST FACT

• PLACE: Brock House• LOCATION: 589 Mercedes Ave., Manteca• HOW TO GET THERE: From South Union Road near West Yosemite Avenue, take Parkview Street west for two blocks towards Union West Park, and then go north for a ½ block on Mercedes Avenue.

Eric Faas and his family had a nice view of the brilliantly-lit Brock House on Mercedes Avenue on Friday.

They sat outside in the back of the truck parked across street at Union West Park, enjoying their cup of frozen yogurt during this unseasonably cool evening while gazing up at the yuletide attraction.

“This is awesome,” said Faas.

He, Taura, and children Ashley, 13, and 3-year-old Nathan marveled at the estimated 150,000 lights that decorated the house coupled with a train set, a helicopter, angels, and tributes to soldiers currently serving in the military.

Ashley Faas recalled coming out to see the Brock home for nearly six years, missing last year due to Dale Brock’s accident.

The owner of the Brock home suffered five broken ribs and a tear in one of his lungs as a result of a fall that occurred while working on a project at the home of his twin brother, Eugene. His injury was severe enough to end a string of 11 straight years as his decorated home serving as a Manteca Christmas tradition.

The Faas and other families were back on the day after Thanksgiving to enjoy the return of the Brock House.

“You never get tired of looking at it,” Eric Faas said.

Ruth Proffitt agreed.

She, her daughter, Christina Smith, and grandchildren, Destiny, 8, Joey, 6, and Desirae, 5, were excited to again see this Christmas attraction.

“I saw that it was back (from reading the Manteca Bulletin),” Proffitt said.

They took photos on the Santa sleigh and around the house, and even cried out “choo-choo!” as Christmas train circled along the small tracks.

No doubt the train set was a big hit for these youngsters.

Smith also remembered stopping here almost every year during the holidays. “I’m glad it’s back – I missed it,” she said.

During the year, the Brock House has attracted folks from outside Manteca. Try Sacramento, Roseville and the Bay Area.

Some will drive slowly past the house while most will park across the street at the nearby park and take a stroll up to the festive island of lights.